Today is a day that so many people pause and enjoy the family and friends that they don’t always get to. I have the luxury of being home for the first Christmas in 10 years. And, despite the fact that my mom and sister (predictably) decided to pick on me a bit, I choose to be grateful. Grateful for the fact that there is a plan…even if sometimes the next part of it is hidden just around the corner. Even if it is a bit like the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle light bright pillow my nephew got from Santa today – while my nephews is more the manufacture of a marketing machine — supposedly cool, but really rather persnickety and only seen in the dark…. God’s plan is so much more clear and steadfast, even if you don’t know how to link the parts at the moment He does. He is the steady hand on the wheel when we freak out and cover our eyes. When we want to stop because we fear our heads will explode or our shoulders will bow under the pressure and expectation — He has barely broken a sweat. He says in His word, Psalm 55:22 “Cast your burden on the LORD, and he will sustain you “. All He asks us to do is to operate under the principle of Joy:

J. = Just

O. = Open

Y. = Your

J.O.Y.

=Eyes

=Mind

=Heart

When you are willing to open your Eyes (Spiritual and Literal) , Mind (If things like breathing, blinking, digestion are possible why is it so hard to believe that other things aren’t …), and Heart (To others, To yourself, To the good you can do in the World) so much can be accomplished. Before you know it, you will be able to see and believe in the plan that He has for you. While it seems a small gesture, finding the Joy in things can be life altering.